All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sheffield Wednesday have gathered a rather mixed bag of results in their current League One campaign so far, winning four, drawing two and losing three of their opening nine league games of the season. That has left them in ninth place in the table with a home clash against Oxford United coming up this Saturday.

The Owls’ latest league match saw them beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the DW Stadium, ultimately knocking their opponents off top spot in the table.

Despite Darren Moore’s side managing to take all three points in midweek thanks to an own goal from Max Power and a second half strike from Callum Paterson, there was one Owls player in the game who did not have a particularly successful night.

On The Chalkboard

Left-back Jaden Brown, who played in a more advanced role against Wigan and has done throughout the season so far, lost possession 12 times and ultimately earned himself a rather disappointing overall match rating of 5.8/10, making him Wednesday’s lowest-rated player on the night according to SofaScore.

Since joining the Owls on a free transfer from Championship club Huddersfield Town during the summer transfer window, the 22-year-old – who is currently valued at £450k according to Transfermarkt – has made six appearances across all competitions for Wednesday, but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist for the team.

Looking ahead to the match against Oxford, we feel that it would be the best if Moore were to drop Brown from the team on this occasion and give Olamide Shodipo – who recently defended Moore and Wednesday’s start to the season – a chance to see if he can be a better fit for the team on the left of midfield.

Moving forward, if Moore decides to stick with Brown in that position, the 22-year-old will need to vastly improve upon what he delivered on the pitch against Wigan, or else he could soon find himself out of the team as the season progresses.

In other news: “Unpredictable” £4.8k-p/w ace drops promising transfer hint, SWFC fans will be buzzing

Former professional footballer David Norris believes that if Manchester City can add both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane to their squad, it would take them to another level.

City completed the £100m signing of the former England international earlier this month, following plenty of speculation throughout the summer months.

Whilst that deal is completed, another name that City have been linked with is Tottenham striker Harry Kane, with the club’s Athletic correspondent Sam Lee suggesting that the Premier League champions are confident of sealing a deal before the transfer window closes on August 31st – it remains to be seen whether the England captain starts against the club that want him on the opening day of the season tomorrow.

If the Cityzens can follow up the Grealish deal by signing Kane, Norris believes it will take the club to another level, telling Football FanCast: “To take them two, just to add to what they have already got, you can’t see past them then. 

“With the other teams, Man United are getting better and were good, but they are still a little bit inconsistent for me. Liverpool had a bad season so it will be interesting to see how they come back but they’re going to need to bring in a few.

“It looks like it will just be Man City, they already have their way of playing, a settled group of players and they’re just topping it up with pure quality.”

After adding another Premier League title and Carabao Cup last season, City will be hoping that they can defend their titles this coming season and also mount another serious charge for the Champions League.

Leeds United’s woes continued as the Yorkshire giants were defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa and his side were already sat just one place above the relegation zone, just two points adrift, but they were unrewarded in a game that they actually looked quite promising in.

The Argentine was without several key stars, with Raphinha (illness) and Rodrigo (injury) surprise absentees, on top of leading talisman Patrick Bamford and vice-captain Luke Ayling.

Spurs failed to even register a shot on target in the first half as the Whites went into the break one goal to the good after Dan James met Jack Harrison’s low-driven cross.

However, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and then Sergio Reguilon found the net for the home side to seal the come-from-behind victory.

Leeds had more possession and more attempts at goal than Spurs, yet a vast majority of these came from outside the area and it’s yet another cause for concern for Bielsa as his side looked hopeless in the final third.

His two wingers may have combined for their only goal – their 12th in as many games, to be precise – but neither pulled up any trees besides that one moment.

Particularly with Harrison as he looked rather lightweight on the left. He lost possession more times (24) than any other visiting player, meaning he handed possession back to Spurs once every 2.75 minutes across the whole game.

Furthermore, he failed with his six other crosses, managing an accuracy rate of just 14% and similarly, a passing accuracy of 78% was the second-worst of any outfield starter, as per SofaScore.

The former Man City graduate also appeared to be weak in his battles, winning just 27% of his 15 battles, which suggests that, more often than not, he struggled up against Emerson Royal and the home back-three.

On social media, it was 59th-minute substitute Junior Firpo that received plenty of flak from supporters, but given he was thrown on in difficult circumstances and was tasked with defensive duties, rather than forward ones, he cannot garner much of the blame.

Yes, Harrison got the assist for their opener but aside from that, he struggled to combat the Lilywhites’ physical threat and he was rather wasteful too.

The £60k-per-week dynamo could’ve made an even bigger impact had he replicated his actions in the 44th minute with more consistency throughout the game and as such, he will have disappointed Bielsa to not have delivered more.

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops John Swift transfer update…

Leeds United will always be on the lookout for who could be the next Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road and Marcelo Bielsa may already have an ideal candidate in U23 gem Nohan Kenneh.

Many around west Yorkshire will be hoping that the talismanic anchorman will remain at the club for many, many more years but those with a sense of realism will know that may not be the case as his stock continues to rise on both the domestic and international stage.

It would, therefore, be wise to think ahead and consider who could be the man to replace him in the future and there isn’t a better fit than the 18-year-old midfielder.

Kenneh has admitted himself that he models his game on the Leeds first-team star, as well as former Premier League legend Patrick Vieira, who is now in charge of top-flight rivals Crystal Palace.

“Currently, I look up to Kalvin Phillips as we both play in a similar position but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield,” he revealed a couple of years ago (in quotes via Football League World).

At 6 foot 2, playing in the same role, the teenager could well fit right in under Bielsa if his development continues in that manner and given how well Phillips has handled himself in recent years, the emerging Thorp Arch talent should hold his own in the big time, if even given that opportunity.

Kenneh has been lauded as a ‘supremely-gifted’ and versatile prodigy by The Athletic’s Phil Hay in the past, whilst The Roaring Peacock podcaster Matty Ingham has previously described the youngster as “one of the biggest prospects in the academy if we’re being honest. Big, physical presence, can carry the ball and he’s powerful and quick.”

The 18-year-old gem was part of the Whites’ Premier League 2 Divison Two title-winning squad, and has racked up 27 appearances for the U23s, including 12 matches in the Premier League 2 and three games in the EFL Trophy – even captaining the team once – this term alone, via Transfermarkt.

Also dubbed a “big prospect” and “one to watch” by Hay in a fan Q&A, the “really assertive” Kenneh is also similar to Phillips in terms of leadership and communication, having earned further praise from youth coach Mark Jackson, per LeedsLive.

He has certainly caught the eye of the Leeds faithful on social media in recent times and they should get even more excited by the prospect of having a potential heir to the throne.

On the above evidence, it’s surely a matter of time before we see the teen sensation get his chance in the senior set-up. He has early qualities that could replicate that of the England international.

In Kenneh, United may well have another Phillips.

AND in other news, Leeds must axe £13.5m-rated dud who left Bielsa “furious”, he’s not good enough for PL…

Leeds United must enter the race to sign Arsenal starlet Joe Willock amid David Norris’ recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Whites midfielder Norris said: “I think it would be a good signing just from what he’s done and the potential he has got.

“I think it would look a bit like taking a chance at this stage rather than signing someone you know who is tried and tested, and going to come in with some real quality. But I still think it would potentially be a good signing.”

Bielsa would love him

After seeing him score on his Newcastle debut against Southampton last season, Magpies manager Steve Bruce claimed that Willock has the style of play from which his side could really benefit.

He said: “It was a classic midfield player’s goal from the ability to arrive in the box, and that’s what he’s brought us. He can go box-to-box, he’s a terrific athlete, the kid, a typical modern-day midfield player who has the ability to get up and down the pitch quickly and has that added ability to score a goal.”

That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something about which Owen Hargreaves has waxed lyrical, too, hailing him after his goal-scoring display against Dundalk in the Europa League earlier last season.

The former England midfielder said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”

The £34m-rated ace racked up 11 goals in all competitions last season and went on a real hot streak to end the campaign – he bagged seven in seven in the Premier League, becoming the youngest player ever to achieve that feat, making him a top-flight record breaker.

Partnering him alongside a more natural holding midfielder in Kalvin Phillips could see Leeds have a formidable duo in the engine room, with the latter protecting the back four and Willock breaking forward to be a threat in the box.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: A busy summer ahead…

It looks set to be a frantic few months at Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor is still yet to be brought in, while 11 senior players could end up leaving the club for nothing over the coming weeks.

Whoever Steve Parish brings in to lead a Palace rebuild will more than likely have to look at a number of signings, possibly in attack.

Wilfried Zaha has once again been linked with a summer exit, whereas Conor Wickham could be one to leave for nothing.

The Latest: Nketiah links

One man who the club could make a move for is Nketiah, according to Romano.

The trusted reporter shared the news on Twitter on Monday, claiming Palace, Watford, West Ham and Bayer Leverkusen are all interested in the 22-year-old, who Mikel Arteta labelled ‘extraordinary’ last year.

“West Ham, Watford, Crystal Palace are interested. Bayer Leverkusen are pushing since months to sign him on a permanent deal,” Romano claimed.

Nketiah, on £45,000-a-week, has been offered new terms by the Gunners, but as of now, has just 12 months left on his Emirates deal.

The Verdict: A smart target?

The striker became England Under-21s’ record scorer last year and has 16 goals to his name in 17 appearances at that level.

He’s already racked up 65 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 13 times, and has also worked under Marcelo Bielsa out on loan at Leeds United.

Nketiah’s Transfermarkt valuation currently stands at £14.4m, so a transfer in that region could be a smart piece of business in the long run.

He can also play out wide when required but should Palace firm up their interest, they may well end up facing some strong competition.

In other news: ‘This is massive’, ‘Great appointment’ – Many CPFC fans erupt as ‘fantastic’ news comes to light, find out more here. 

Celtic summer signing Liam Shaw isn’t considered a first-team option at Parkhead yet, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Urhoghide’s struggles

Shaw was followed to Celtic Park from Sheffield Wednesday by centre-back Osaze Urhoghide.

The 20-year-old cost less than Shaw at a price of £207,000 and is yet to feature in a competitive match under Ange Postecoglou.

Devlin suggested that Urhoghide has not impressed in training, with 18-year-olds Dane Murray and Bosun Lawal potentially ahead of him in terms of his development.

The Latest: Shaw claim

In Devlin’s story assessing the club’s summer window, he also made a claim about Shaw, who is also yet to make a first-team appearance this season.

It seems as if the defensive midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, is also failing to catch the eye, as, internally, he isn’t considered a first-team option at this moment in time.

The Verdict: Patience required

Neil Lennon was the man in charge when Celtic secured Shaw’s services, and like Urhoghide, the Hoops pipped Premier League competition for his signature.

Parkhead chiefs may not have expected the duo to be first-team regulars straight away, so the Hoops will have to be patient when it comes to their development.

Shaw, who made 24 senior appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, could still be adjusting to life in Scotland, and hopefully, over time, will start to catch Postecoglou’s eye at Lennoxtown.

In other news: Ange’s first January target emerges; Celtic will watch ‘really important’ ace tomorrow. 

Leeds United have endured a mixed start to the new season but that is unlikely to provoke too much late business from Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta.

The Whites still arguably lack bodies in the middle of the park but it’s a forward who could become their final transfer of the window.

What’s the word?

It wouldn’t be a transfer market without Leeds United being linked to a certain Dan James.

The Welshman has been touted with a move to Elland Road for a considerable period of time now, but with two days left in the window, there is a possibility that he finally makes the move to Yorkshire.

James started Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday but is seemingly available to leave the Red Devils.

Multiple clubs including Leicester and Southampton are interested in securing him on loan, but according to Football Insider, Leeds have ‘concrete’ interest in the winger.

They have registered their interested in signing him but they will have to put forward £25m in order to prise him away from Old Trafford permanently.

Bielsa will love him

This is an acquisition which has been in the making ever since Leeds were still in the Championship.

Back in the winter of 2019, James very nearly signed for the club and was even pictured at Elland Road holding up a Whites shirt. However, Swansea pulled the plug on a deal and it fell through at the very last moment.

Speaking back then, Bielsa said: “Victor Orta chose James and I accepted the player proposed to me.”

The Argentine concluded: “I agree with the fact this player has the features the team needs and responds to the needs of the team. If he comes it will be a significant transfer.”

That tells you a lot about what the Leeds manager thinks of him.

Although the attacker hasn’t received much football since heading to Old Trafford, he is now more mature and has improved his quality. James has bagged nine goals for the Red Devils since moving from Wales, and if a move to Leeds materialises, he could light up Elland Road.

His pace is incredible and he’s already been described as “explosive” in that department by his teammate Andreas Pereira.

With Raphinha on one side and the 23-year-old on the other flank, it could be a very dangerous attacking unit for Leeds.

The Whites’ depth in offensive areas isn’t exactly brimming with options, so Bielsa would be delighted at getting such a long-term target through the door.

AND in other news, Worse than Edouard: £4.5m-rated Celtic gem who lost 80% duels let Ange down massively…

Liam Kennedy has said that Newcastle United will ‘likely’ need to find a replacement for Matt Ritchie in this summer’s transfer window.

The lowdown

The 31-year-old has made 169 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Bournemouth in 2016, scoring 24 goals and providing 31 assists in black and white. Last season, he featured 21 times across all competitions, including a run of nine consecutive starts at the end of the Premier League season.

Back in March, Ritchie was reportedly involved in a training-ground bust-up with Steve Bruce. He is alleged to have called the manager a ‘coward’, and been ‘physically confronted’ in response.

The Scot was an unused substitute in the three games which followed, but then regained the faith of his manager. Following the 4-3 defeat against Manchester City last month, Pep Guardiola singled out Ritchie for praise, admitting he was ‘so good as a taker’ of set pieces.

The latest

Kennedy was asked in a fan Q&A for Shields Gazette what areas should take priority for Newcastle in the transfer market.

He replied: “Centre-half and central midfield. United need to add at least one player in both positions. A Matt Ritchie replacement is likely to be needed as will a stand in for Wilson. Those four would be a start, moving forward.”

The 31-year-old still has two years left on his contract and is valued at £3.6m by Transfermarkt.

The verdict

Losing Ritchie would be a blow to Newcastle given his experience, dead ball quality and supreme versatility – he can operate in either full-back position and further up both flanks.

It could prove very tricky for the Magpies to find a player who combines all of those qualities, either from within the club or on the transfer market for a reasonable fee, considering reports of a paltry £10m-£12m summer budget.

In other news, another Newcastle ace is pushing for a way out.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have now set their sights on one of Aston Villa’s rising stars after an appeal from club officials, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Paratici weighs top talent…

Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici, as per recent claims, also has one eye on future talents with there being many on his radar.

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Peterborough United duo Ronnie Edwards and Benjamin Mensah, a central defender and right-wing-back respectively, are just two names Tottenham have been linked with recently.

Middlesbrough ace Djed Spence, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, was the subject of multiple Spurs bids in January and there is reason to believe they could return to the charge this summer.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy plot Patterson move…

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are now ‘plotting’ a move for Villa’s exciting young left-back Travis Patterson.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the ‘top-level’ youngsters coming through in the Midlands with Spurs club officials and ‘talent spotters’ scouting Patterson.

It is believed that these employees have now ‘recommended’ the England Under-17 international to Tottenham’s ‘hierarchy’ – appealing for his signing behind-the-scenes.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Patterson is certainly emerging as one to watch, having already made his Villa Under-23s debut at just 16.

This is a real indicator of his talent, and going by Spurs’ homegrown quota issue, they should be looking to get as many top English talents through the door as possible.

His development has been described as ‘rapid’ and there is no sign of it slowing down, and going by his real rise, he may well be a Tottenham left-back of the future if club chiefs decide to tempt him across the Premier League to north London.

In other news: Tottenham officials dispatched to club as they allegedly eye ‘unbelievable’ £33m man for Conte! Find out more here.